Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip from Fes: Roman Ruins and an Imperial City
Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman site, and the imperial city of Meknes make an excellent day trip from Fes. Volubilis is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Fes, Meknes 30 minutes further, and the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss sits between them. Allow a full day: about 2 hours at Volubilis, a stop at Moulay Idriss and 3 hours in Meknes.
Volubilis
Volubilis was an important town of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Its highlights are the triumphal arch of Caracalla, the basilica and capitol columns, the decumanus maximus (main street) and, above all, the floor mosaics left in place in the houses, depicting Bacchus, Orpheus, the labours of Hercules and Diana bathing. There is little shade, so go in the morning and bring a hat and water.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
This white town spread over two hills holds the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of the first Moroccan Islamic dynasty in the 8th century. It is a major pilgrimage site; the mausoleum is closed to non-Muslims, but the terraces offer superb views over the town and the plain of Volubilis.
Meknes
Meknes became the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672–1727), who built gates, palaces, granaries and kilometres of walls. Don't miss:
- Bab Mansour: one of the most monumental gates in Morocco, decorated with zellige and marble columns.
- Place El Hedim: the main square facing Bab Mansour, lively in the evening.
- The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: one of the few Moroccan shrines non-Muslims may visit (in the outer areas), when open.
- Heri es-Souani: the vast royal granaries and stables, an engineering marvel.
- The medina and Bou Inania madrasa of Meknes.
How to organise the day
| 8:30 | Leave Fes |
| 9:45–11:45 | Volubilis with a local guide |
| 12:00–13:00 | Moulay Idriss: viewpoint and lunch |
| 13:45–17:00 | Meknes: Bab Mansour, granaries, medina |
| 18:00 | Back in Fes |
Combine it with a day in the Fes medina on our Fes medina guided tour and, if you have one more day, the Chefchaouen day trip from Fes. Volubilis and Meknes are also included in our 7-day imperial cities tour. Read about the four royal capitals in the imperial cities of Morocco.
Official details of the site are on the UNESCO page for the Archaeological Site of Volubilis.
Book it with a local operator
- Fes: Guided Tour of Fes el-Bali Medina, Tanneries & Madrasas — from €29 per person, pay on the day.
- From Casablanca: 7-Day Private Imperial Cities Tour of Morocco — from €690 per person, pay on the day.
- From Fes: Chefchaouen Blue City Day Trip in the Rif Mountains — from €55 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Chouara Tannery Fes: How to Visit Morocco's Famous Leather Dye Pits
- Things to Do in Rabat: A One-Day Guide to Morocco's Capital
- Chefchaouen Blue City Guide: Why It's Blue, What to See and How to Visit from Fes
Frequently asked questions
How far is Volubilis from Fes?
About 80 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road.
How long do you need at Volubilis?
About 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main monuments and mosaics with a guide.
Can you visit Volubilis and Meknes in one day?
Yes. They are 30 minutes apart, and a full day from Fes covers Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and the main sights of Meknes.
Is Meknes worth visiting?
Yes. It is quieter than Fes and Marrakech, with monumental gates, royal granaries and a relaxed medina.
Main photo: Ludmiła Pilecka. Retouched by Jan Mehlich (Lestath)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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